Use tweezers to handle springs and wire clips. "That'll keep them from flying all over the place and maybe getting lost."

Start each trip with a thorough cleaning. Gently rinse each reel to remove salt particles. Don′t loosen the drags yet and don′t use a lot of water pressure either to prevent forcing salt and dirt into internal components. If possible wash reels with warm soapy fresh water to remove salt body oils blood and dirt. Remove the skirted spool (and drag knob if necessary) and clean the underside of the spool and the spindle area. Next rinse the entire reel again with a gentle spray and let them air dry or pat with a towel or chamois. Next loosen the drag knob to remove pressure so the washers don′t become compressed and warped.

Hold your reel properly while disassembling and assembling it. "We recommend anglers hold the reel in their left hand and work with their right. That way everything stays oriented. But the really important thing is to always hold it the same. That way the parts will go back together easier."